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It’s been a minute, but we’re back! After a short break this summer we’re here with a jam-packed episode and full of excitement after watching the 2026 World Championships in Aachen. We’re also talking about respiratory issues in horses and sharing our favorite hacks for the horse trailer in hot weather. Thanks for tuning in.
Guests and Links Episode 149:
Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
Drink Recipe: Swimming Pool Cocktail
Featured Image: Courtesy MM Photography
Link: Do color perceptions affect jumping performance?
Link: USEF issues new guidance for high heat, poor air quality during horse shows
Link: Aachen recap
Link: More girth fitting tips
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This episode is presented by: Ecogold, HITS Horse Shows, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

The equine eyeball has a limited ability to ‘wait and see.’ Here’s how veterinarians can guide horse owners through ocular emergencies.
Mentioned in this episode:
EquiManagement on Audio
All the articles you have come to love in EquiManagement Magazine are now available in this podcast for free. Each article is released as its own separate episode to make them quick and easy to listen to. EquiManagement always has the latest insights on equine health, veterinary practice management, and veterinarian wellness.

Dr. Kyla Ortved helps horse owners understand joint therapies in senior horses. She is an Associate Professor of Large Animal Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. Dr. Ortved is boarded in Surgery and Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation.
My Senior Horse - Episode 52 Guests and Links:
Guests: Dr. Kyla Ortved, Associate Professor of Large Animal Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center
Connect with Host: Kimberly S. Brown of Editorial Director of My Senior Horse | Email Kim (kbrown@equinenetwork.com) | Follow Kim on LinkedIn (@kimberlylsbrown)

This week on the Dressage Radio Show, Reese & Megan talk about the real economics behind buying and selling horses. Jessica Gaston shares the surprising numbers behind selling one quality horse, while Dr. Jill Stowe, equine economist and University of Kentucky professor, helps us explore the bigger disconnect between the true cost of producing, training, marketing and selling a horse and running a horse facility—and what the market expects to pay. Heidi Basler give us a FEI World Equestrian Championships in Aachen Report!
Co-Hosts: Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Megan McIssac | Instagram | Facebook
Title Sponsors: Purina & Farnam Endure Gold
Premier Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products
Guest: Dr. Jill Stowe - Facebook
Guest: Jessica Gaston - Website | Facebook | Instagram
Guest: Heidi Basler - Website | Facebook
Book Club: Stable Core Training by Joyce Kramer
Dressage Radio Show: Website | Facebook

In this episode of Saddle Talk, hosts Cara and Sandy dive into the real-life mental and physical challenges of horse ownership—from recovering from injuries and navigating rider anxiety to understanding key horse behavior. Sandy shares updates on her broken pelvis recovery and her milestone transition into menopause, while Cara opens up about her personal tendency to "perseverate" on training goals with her horse, Armani.
The hosts then break down the concept of the "lick and chew" response. Learn how horses release jaw tension and switch from panic/flight mode back to their "thinking brain"—and why humans need to apply this exact same self-regulation technique when stress strikes around horses.
Connect with Sandy and Cara on Facebook!
Key Topics Covered in This Episode:
Injury Recovery & Reality for Equestrians: Navigating physical therapy, broken bones, and the struggle of taking rest when you have horses to care for.
Decoding Horse Body Language: What the "lick and chew" reflex means biologically, how adrenaline causes dry mouth in horses, and why jaw-clenching happens during stress.
Overcoming Rider Anxiety & Traumatic Scenarios: Strategies for handling worst-case scenario thinking during trailer loading, groundwork, and riding sessions.
Proactive Safety & Body Positioning: Essential safety tips for saddling (facing the rear vs. the head), grabbing cinches with your left hand, using fly boots, and avoiding dangerous kick and bite zones.
Preventing Food Aggression: How walking away while a horse pins its ears at feed time can unintentionally teach resource guarding—and how to set clear boundaries using a carrot stick.

Whether you are starting a young horse, preparing for trailer loading, or managing your own anxiety in the barn, this episode offers practical horsemanship advice, safety tips, and insightful perspective. Tune in to discover how positioning, patience, and giving yourself grace can change your relationship with your horse!
Keywords: Horsemanship, Horse Body Language, Equestrian Podcast, Rider Anxiety, Lick and Chew Horse, Horse Safety Tips, Trailer Loading Horses, Horse Training Hacks, Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Equine Safety, Menopause and Riding.